Didier Deschamps has led an attacking France side to the World Cup semi-finals while also dealing with personal grief. A win against Spain in the semi-final on Tuesday could put him on the verge of becoming only the second manager to win the World Cup twice.
Deschamps' Transformation of France
Almost two years after a humiliating Nations League defeat to Italy, where Deschamps' name was booed, he has reinvented France's attack. The team now plays with speed, incision, and variety, a stark contrast to the pragmatic style often associated with him. France's attack has been unmatched this summer, with players like Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kylian Mbappé forming a formidable quartet.
From Pragmatism to Firepower
Deschamps, once dismissively called the "water carrier" by Eric Cantona, has unleashed a team that breathes fire. Critics had accused him of lacking an offensive plan beyond relying on Mbappé's brilliance. However, his tactical tweak to a 4-2-3-1 formation, sacrificing a midfielder for four forwards, has paid off. This setup was first tested against Italy and then in a thrilling 5-4 loss to Spain in the Nations League semi-final in June 2025.
Managing Transition and Personal Grief
Deschamps has successfully managed the transition after the retirements of Hugo Lloris, Raphaël Varane, Olivier Giroud, and Antoine Griezmann. He has become more accessible to the younger players, fostering unity and clear communication. His decision to step down after the tournament, announced in January 2025, has liberated him from scrutiny about his future.
Deschamps also dealt with personal grief, missing a game against Norway due to the death of his mother. He returned to see Mbappé embrace him after scoring against Sweden, with Deschamps saying, "I told you from day one, he's on a mission."
Spain Rematch and Legacy
Spain will provide France's biggest test, having beaten them in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. But France is a different beast now. A win could cement Deschamps' legacy as an all-time great, winning titles with different vintages in markedly different ways.
